Always-on: “Deal with it,” says MS creative director [Update]

Microsoft Game Studios creative director Adam Orth took to Twitter today to air his views on always-on Internet requirements for gaming, which has raised hackles in the context of recent rumours about the next Xbox console requiring Internet to function.

You can read all about it on Gematsu – I won’t rehash it here as an individual’s personal opinion is not confirmation of anything – but the crux of the argument is that games now require online services so a console needing Internet is like a vacuum cleaner needing electricity.

Microsoft has responded to the tweets, via its PR firm, with the following statement given to GI International:

“We are aware of the comments made by an employee on Twitter. This person is not a spokesperson for Microsoft, and his personal views are not reflective of those of the company. We have not made any announcements about our product roadmap, and have no further comment on this matter.”

A reveal of Microsoft’ new console is expected soon. Rumours of its always-on Internet requirement have cropped up at least three times.